Skillbridge
Job description
About the role
This role partners with technicians, engineers, and scientists to convert concepts into prototypes, experiments, and operational fusion systems. The position suits individuals who thrive in fast-paced settings and apply structured urgency and rigor to real-world problems. Ownership, candid communication, and teamwork drive progress in advancing fusion energy systems.
Software engineers turn product ideas into working code. Engineers work in small teams, review each other's work, and ship in small batches. Most teams follow agile practices such as sprints and daily standups. Engineers also write tests, fix bugs, and improve performance. The field values clear communication as much as technical skill. Engineers spend part of every week on planning, code review, and debugging, not just writing new code. The ability to explain a technical decision in plain words separates strong engineers from the rest.
Key facts
What you'll do
Learning alongside experienced team members provides a comprehensive view of system lifecycles.
Requirements
The posting states a bachelor's degree requirement. Eligibility and approval for the DOW Skillbridge program are required for this position. Meeting this requirement ensures access to specific Department of Defense transition pathways.
A strong willingness to learn, take direction, and actively engage in a hands-on environment is necessary. Candidates must demonstrate readiness to absorb new techniques and follow structured guidance.
Safe work around high-voltage and experimental systems is required, and prior experience with tag-out is preferred. Adherence to safety procedures protects personnel and equipment during high-risk activities.
Electrical, mechanical, nuclear, or related technical military background is required. This background supports comprehension of complex technical domains relevant to fusion systems.
Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively on a team are required. Clear communication helps coordinate actions across technical roles in a small team.
Practical notes
This role is based in Everett, Washington, and operates as a contract position. Typical interview steps
Hiring for engineering roles usually starts with a recruiter screen, followed by one or two technical rounds. Candidates often solve a coding problem, discuss past projects, and answer system design questions. Some loops include a take-home task. Final rounds typically cover team fit and give candidates a chance to ask questions. Interviewers look for how you break down an unfamiliar problem, not just whether you reach the answer. Practicing a few problems aloud and reviewing your own past projects are the best preparation.
Good to know
Roles of this type typically involve hands-on technical work in specialized fields. Work often requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams under structured safety procedures.
Questions to ask
Useful questions for the interview: what a typical week looks like, how work is assigned, what tools the team uses, and how feedback works. Asking how the role has changed recently and what the team wishes it had known when joining is also reasonable. Questions about the manager's priorities are especially valued.
Career growth
Engineering careers usually progress from individual contributor to senior, staff, and principal levels. Some engineers move into management and lead teams of five to twenty people. Others stay on the technical track. Growth follows demonstrated impact, not tenure alone. A typical engineering ladder has clear levels with defined expectations for scope, quality, and mentorship. Moving up usually requires owning outcomes end to end rather than completing assigned tickets.
About the company
We are a fusion power company based in Everett, WA, with the mission to build the world's first fusion power plant, enabling a future with unlimited clean electricity. Our vision is a world with clean, reliable, and affordable energy for everyone.